2025 Ueda Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ Bessho Onsen, Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture 📍Anrakuji Temple 📸 2024/09/01 ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ At Anrakuji Temple in Bessho Onsen, if you make a reservation in advance, you can experience zazen from 6am...! *Reservations must be made 5 days in advance On the way to the zazen, the stairs leading to Anrakuji Temple, illuminated by the morning light, were very beautiful📷´- As I climbed the stairs, Anrakuji Temple came into view I listened to a wonderful priest talk about zazen and then the zazen experience began 15 minutes of nothingness... It seems short but it's a long time... It's quite difficult to empty your mind💦 𓐍𓂃𓈒𓂂𖤣𖤥𖠿𖤣𖤥𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃𓈒𓂂𖤣𖤥𖠿𖤣𖤥𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃𓈒𓂂 【　　 🚃 Bessho Onsen Anrakuji Templeﾟ´-　　】 📍Address 2361 Bessho Onsen, Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture 🗺Access About a 20-minute walk from Bessho Onsen Station ⏰Time 6:00am - 6:30am *Not held during winter (November - March) 🎟.·Price 500 yen per person 🔖Point Anrakuji Temple is famous for its national treasure octagonal three-story pagoda, and for being the oldest Zen temple in Nagano Prefecture. 𓐍𓂃𓈒𓂂𖤣𖤥𖠿𖤣𖤥𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃𓈒𓂂𖤣𖤥𖠿𖤣𖤥𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃𓈒𓂂 ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ #Nagano outing spot #Ueda #Ueda City #Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture #Bessho Onsen #Anrakuji Temple #Nagano trip #Camera girl #Couple trip #Photo walk trip #Outing spot #Weekend outing spot #Free travel

Built by Sanada Masayuki in the late 16th century during the Azuchi-Momoyama period. Ueda Castle is the castle that defeated Tokugawa Hidetada's army. Staff members dressed as Sanada Masayuki will welcome you. There are many tourist attractions in Ueda, including Bessho Onsen, Kitamuki Kannon, the Kawanakajima battlefield, Utsukushigahara Highlands, an observation deck in the Alps with a 360-degree panoramic view, and Chausuyama Zoo, a zoo in the forest.

This is a walk around the town of Ueda Castle, which was built by Sanada Masayuki in the late 16th century during the Azuchi-Momoyama period. There are also old-style cafes nearby, so you can spend some relaxing time here♪

There are many free activities to enjoy at Ogatoh Hotel in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture. One of them is snowmobile cruising. In winter, Utsukushigahara is covered in a blanket of silver. Why not enjoy the endless snowscape on a snowmobile? Address: 8964 Iriyamabe, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture (Shuttle bus available from Matsumoto Station) #Nagano #Matsumoto #Ogatoh #NaganoHotel #OgatohHotel #BreathtakingView

Ueda Castle Ruins Park in Nagano Prefecture Ueda City in Nagano Prefecture became a popular tourist destination after the 2016 NHK historical drama Sanada Maru. Ueda Castle Ruins Park is a very large park that is free to enter if you just want to visit. It is especially recommended during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. Ueda Castle Ruins Park Ninomaru 2, Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture #Free Spot

#AprilGoodDestinations2025 Cherry blossoms are an important symbol of spring in Japan. During the blossom season, you can be sure to find parks covered in cherry blossom trees and colorful cherry blossom decorations on store shelves. Suzaka-Waryu Park is also a famous cherry blossom spot in Japan. The cherry blossoms with drooping branches are reflected on the surface of the pond, which is very beautiful. Especially at night, when the lights are on, it is even more colorful. The railway cherry blossom viewing also chose "Ueda Castle Ruins" and "Iiyama Castle Ruins Park" because they are the first choice for cherry blossom viewing recommended by the Internet and are worth visiting! During the break between train transfers, I visited the Prince Shopping Center in Karuizawa. It was really fun to shop there!

#cherryblossom25 Sugadaira Highlands offers a completely different cherry blossom experience — it’s high up, cooler, and later blooming, giving you that rare second chance to catch the sakura if you missed them elsewhere. I hiked through rolling meadows and birch forests, and then suddenly, clusters of cherry trees appeared like pink islands against the green landscape. The air was crisp, and I could still see snow clinging to the distant peaks — spring here feels raw and fresh. My favorite spot was a little clearing where I could sit, surrounded by blossoms, with nothing but wind and birdsong for company. My #cherryblossom25 post captured that wide-open freedom: petals in the foreground, mountains behind. If you’re into nature, hiking, and want a more rugged sakura adventure, Sugadaira is your place.

#cherryblossom25 Review (Traveler using #cherryblossom25): Ueda Kannon Temple is one of those understated spots that feels like stumbling onto a local secret. It's perched on a gentle hill, and during sakura season, the temple grounds are surrounded by a soft cascade of cherry blossoms. I loved how simple and authentic it felt — no big crowds, just locals paying their respects and doing hanami picnics. The temple’s bright red pagoda contrasts beautifully with the soft pink of the blossoms, making for killer photos. I timed my visit during the late afternoon, and the golden light filtered through the petals like magic. My #cherryblossom25 post showed the pagoda half-hidden by blossoms, with light flares sparkling through. If you want a sacred, quiet, and photogenic spot that’s off the big tourist maps, Ueda Kannon is a sweet little find.

📍Location: Kamikochi, Utsukushigahara, Fudotaki Get off the bus at Taisho Pond🚌 and walk from there🏞️✨ Cool and beautiful scenery🍃 It seems that good weather is quite rare in Utsukushigahara🥹 It's high altitude and cold, so outerwear is a must! There was a line for the nagashi somen noodles at Fudotaki...🥹 🏨Oku-Hida Garden Hotel Yakedake It was a wonderful inn with an open-air bath♨︎ #0 yen trip

#cherryblossom25 Ueda Castle Ruins Park had a kind of bold, spirited energy I wasn't expecting. The castle’s massive stone walls still stand, and in spring they get crowned with thick clouds of cherry blossoms. I loved how the ruggedness of the ruins clashed beautifully with the softness of the sakura. There were a ton of local families and couples doing hanami, and the atmosphere was super friendly. Samurai cosplay events happen here sometimes during the sakura season, and I actually caught a small performance — talk about photogenic! My #cherryblossom25 post captured the moment a performer with a katana walked under a rain of blossoms — such a vibe. If you want to blend history, culture, and a lively, cheerful cherry blossom experience, Ueda Castle delivers.

#0yentravel The Shinano Railway is a local railway that connects Karuizawa and Shinonoi in Nagano Prefecture. It took over a section that was originally part of the Shinetsu Main Line and continues to operate as an important means of transportation for the region. Historic townscapes such as Old Karuizawa and Komoro remain along the line, and the view of Mount Asama from the train window is beautiful. Stations and track facilities that evoke the days when the Asama express train ran can be seen here and there, making it quietly popular with railway fans. The tourist train Rokumon is also in operation. It is a relaxing line where you can travel while feeling the local atmosphere and the flow of time.

#cherryblossom25 Built by samurai strategist Sanada Masayuki, this 400-year-old fortress becomes a pink battleground each April when 1,000+ cherry trees bloom where Tokugawa forces clashed twice in epic sieges. Unlike manicured castles, Ueda’s wild-style yamazakura grow defiantly from stone walls—a living tribute to the Sanada Clan’s unconquered spirit.

The expansive Utsukushigahara Highland, located at an altitude of approximately 2,000 meters, lives up to its name, which means "beautiful plain." This breathtaking spot features endless green meadows, a solitary art museum, and pastoral landscapes that feel like another world. In summer, enjoy the refreshing breeze and vibrant alpine flowers; in autumn, the golden pampas grass. On clear days, you can take in a 360-degree panoramic view that includes Yatsugatake and even Mount Fuji. Perfect for hiking or driving, this destination offers a unique blend of nature and art for a truly special experience! 📍Basic Information (Check the official website for the latest updates) ✴︎ Address: Matsumoto City and Ueda City area, Nagano Prefecture ✴︎ Access: About 1 hour by car from Ueda Station or Matsumoto Station / Via Venus Line to Utsukushigahara Open-Air Museum ✴︎ Admission: Free (Museum entry requires a fee) ✴︎ Hours: Open 24 hours (Museums and facilities generally open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM)

The endless grasslands and the endless blue sky are a breathtaking sight that will cleanse your soul. As you walk, you can see grazing cows relaxing, and it was a soothing sight that made you forget the hustle and bustle of the city. Don't miss the "Utsukushi Tower" near the summit and the spot where you can look down on the sea of ​​clouds! From spring to autumn, there are plenty of hiking trails that even beginners can enjoy, so it's a really recommended place for those who want to be soothed by nature. 🔽Destination Guide ・Access: About 1 hour by car from Matsumoto Station / Buses run seasonally (check beforehand) ・Best season: June to October (fresh greenery, alpine plants, autumn leaves) ・Clothing: The altitude is high and the wind is strong, so a jacket is essential even in summer ・Recommended spots: Utsukushi Tower, Utsukushigahara Kogen Art Museum, and observation spots around Ogato Hotel ・Note: The weather is changeable, so don't forget to check the weather in advance! #Domestic travel #Nature #Nagano Prefecture #Breathtaking views #Tourism

#Spring0yenTrip Ueda is a charming town where history and nature coexist in harmony, and is especially famous as a place associated with Sanada Yukimura, a famous general from the Sengoku period. The first place we visited was Ueda Castle. While walking around the castle ruins, we were reminded of the fierce battles of the Sengoku period, and we were able to enjoy the exhibits and gardens inside the castle. The area around the castle has been developed into a park, making it a great spot for a leisurely stroll. Ueda also has Sanada Shrine, which is a shrine that honors Yukimura's achievements, and you can feel its historical background. The center of town is lined with old streets and shops selling local specialties, creating a warm atmosphere. In addition, it is close to Bessho Onsen and has easy access to hot springs, so you can enjoy both history and hot springs. Ueda was a heartwarming town where you could spend a relaxing time while touring historical sites.

#Spring0yenTrip Bessho Onsen is a quiet hot spring resort in Nagano Prefecture that has long been popular as a hot spring resort. Historical inns and hot spring facilities are dotted around the hot spring town, giving it a nostalgic atmosphere. Oyu in particular is an old hot spring, and the tasteful buildings and the scenery of rising steam were impressive. While soaking in the hot spring, I was able to enjoy a relaxing time surrounded by the surrounding nature. Bessho Onsen also has Onsenji Temple, which is famous as the center of hot spring worship and is a temple with a history of over 1,300 years. There is also a beautiful three-story pagoda in the grounds, and its magnificent architecture attracts visitors. In the tranquility of Onsenji Temple, I was able to calm my mind while feeling the history and culture. Bessho Onsen is a place where you can enjoy not only hot springs but also these historical temples and buildings, and spend a peaceful time.

📝 Overview Ueda Castle Ruins Park in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture, is the site of Ueda Castle, known as the residence of the Sanada clan, a warlord during the Sengoku period. In spring, about 1,000 cherry trees, mainly Somei Yoshino, bloom in full bloom, and you can enjoy the beautiful contrast between the historic castle ruins and the cherry blossoms. ✨ Recommended points * Collaboration of castle ruins and cherry blossoms * The combination of cherry blossoms with the scenery that evokes the history of the castle ruins, such as the yagura gate and stone walls, is a spectacular sight that can only be seen here. * In particular, photos of cherry blossoms with the yagura gate in the background are sure to look great on social media! * A wide variety of cherry blossoms * In addition to Somei Yoshino, you can enjoy various types of cherry blossoms such as weeping cherry blossoms, mountain cherry blossoms, and double cherry blossoms. * Another attractive feature is that the flowering periods are different, so you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing for a long time. * Night cherry blossom illumination * At night, the cherry blossoms and castle ruins are lit up, creating a fantastic atmosphere. * You can enjoy the romantic cherry blossoms at night, which are different from the daytime. 👀Pay attention to this! * Ueda Castle Senbonzakura Festival * At the Ueda Castle Senbonzakura Festival, which is held during the cherry blossom season, you can enjoy various events and stalls. * You can also enjoy local gourmet food and souvenirs. * Sakura Road * Within the park, there is Sakura Road, a row of cherry trees that is perfect for a stroll. * You can have a special experience, like walking through a tunnel of cherry blossoms. * Historical strolls in the surrounding area * The area around Ueda Castle Ruins Park is dotted with historical sites and museums related to the Sanada clan, where you can feel the history. * We recommend taking a historical stroll in addition to cherry blossom viewing. 🌸Usually best viewing time * Late March to early April ℹ️Information * Address: Ninomaru, Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture * Access: * About 15 minutes on foot from JR Ueda Station * About 15 minutes from Ueda Sugadaira IC on the Joshinetsu Expressway * Opening hours: Open 24 hours * Fee: Free 🚗Sightseeing information in the area * Shinshu Ueda Sanadamaru Taiga Drama Museum: A facility where you can experience the world of Sanadamaru. * Bessho Onsen: A historic hot spring resort where you can also enjoy a day trip to the hot springs. * Shinshu International Music Village: A facility where you can enjoy music in beautiful nature. 🖋️Summary Ueda Castle Ruins Park is a recommended spot in spring where you can enjoy history, nature, and beautiful cherry blossoms. Be sure to visit once and enjoy the spectacular view unique to Ueda Castle. #Seasonal places in Japan #Sakura2025

#cherryblossom25 Ueda Castle Ruins Park (Ueda City) Once an imposing fortress, Ueda Castle is now a popular cherry blossom spot with over 1,000 flowering trees in spring. 🌸 The combination of weeping shidare-zakura and bright white somei yoshino cherry trees set against the castle walls is simply stunning. ✨ During peak bloom, usually around early April, the cherry blossoms are illuminated at night as well!

#cherryblossom25 🌸The cherry blossoms lit up against the backdrop of the castle🌸 Introducing Ueda Castle in Shinshu, Nagano Ueda Castle is a popular sightseeing spot, and located in Shinshu, Nagano, about 2hours by train from Tokyo. Did you know that about 1,000 cherry trees are in full bloom? The color and shape of the petals vary slightly from roto-zakura, higan-zakura, edohigan-zakura, shidare-zakura, someiyoshino, yamazakura, and ukon-zakura...✨ Each cherry tree has a different story, so you might see it differently if you check it out before you go to see it...✨ The Ueda Castle Thousand Cherry Blossoms Festival will be held again this year from April 5 to April 13! You can also enjoy Ueda's local delicacies and specialties🍴. At night, the cherry blossoms will also be lit up✨ This event has been recognized as one of Japan's Night View Heritage! Please enjoy this special time of the year 🌸 #AirJapan #ueda #sakura #spring #beautifulspringsightseeingspot

#Get a discount without relying on luck 🏯 #Ueda Castle Ueda Castle Ruins Park in Ueda City, full of samurai history. But on the day I went, I didn't see any samurai. This is one of the lesser-known tourist attractions in Nagano Prefecture. But since we've been here, I'd like to recommend it. A must-see tourist attraction in Ueda City is #Ueda Castle Park (上田城跡公園 Ueda Jо̄seki Kо̄en), which is home to Ueda Castle (上田城 Ueda-jо̄), one of the 100 most famous castles in Japan. Especially during cherry blossom season🌸, looking at the row of cherry trees when the flowers bloom, it must be very beautiful. Inside the castle grounds, there is ⛩️ #Sanada Shrine (眞田神社 Sanada Jinja) located in the Ueda Castle Park area and is a shrine that worships the former owner of Ueda Castle. This place is very beautiful for taking pictures. #Directions Walk from JR Ueda Station for about 850 meters, walk for about 10 minutes. When I went there was no entrance fee to the castle.

Sugadaira Kogen Snow Resort is a mecca for winter sports located in Nagano Prefecture. The snow quality is excellent, and you can enjoy a variety of activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing on the slopes covered in powder snow. Facilities are available for a wide range of levels, from beginner courses to steep slopes for advanced skiers, making it ideal for families and friends to visit. In addition, there are hot springs and restaurants to warm up your body after sports, so you can enjoy winter outdoor experiences and gourmet food at the same time. Refresh your mind and body on a cold winter day and enjoy an unforgettable winter sports experience 😊 🕰️Opening hours: Ski resort is open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm (subject to change depending on the weather) 📍Location: Karuizawa Town, Kitasaku District, Nagano Prefecture (please check the official website for the specific address) #0 yen trip February 2025

"Utsukushigahara Plateau" in Nagano Prefecture is a place you should definitely visit in the morning🍃 The sunrise here is so beautiful that you should definitely see it! The view from the top was overwhelming, and I felt like I was in another world🌍✨ It is known as a "heavenly place"! ◎ You can enjoy it not only in summer but also in winter, and you can enjoy the snow in the great outdoors⛄️ (It's better to have snow tires and chains!) I also met a lot of animals🐄 It's only a 3-4 hour drive from Tokyo! You can forget about everything and relax Please go and see it🍃 #0 yen trip February 2025 #Utsukushigahara Plateau

[Utsukushigahara Plateau] in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture It has free parking and is famous for being able to see a beautiful sunrise It's a bit of a walk from your car to the summit, but the path is well-maintained and very easy to walk on, so you can climb like you're hiking🚶♀️ The view from the summit is spectacular, and you can see the mountains in the distance clearly💗 It's quite cold at the summit, so dress warmly when climbing☺️ #0 yen trip January 2025 📍Location: Takeishikamimotoiri, Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture 386-0507 🕰️Opening hours: 24 hours 💰Price per person: Free 🅿️: Free parking available

Nagano Prefecture is rich in apples, which are sweet and juicy, so there are many products that use apples in cooking. This time when I came to Ueda City in Nagano Prefecture, I visited the Shinshu Applied Research Institute, which specializes in apple pies made from different varieties of Nagano apples. Different types of Nagano apples have different sweetness, sourness and fruity aroma, and after being made into apple pies, each has a different flavor! Worth a try! #JanuaryGoodPlaces2025

If you go to Utsukushigahara Plateau in Nagano Prefecture at night, you can see a starry sky and a sea of ​​clouds in the morning. Because it is a natural phenomenon, it may be affected by the weather, but the moment you see this magnificent view, I think you will fall in love with Japan even more. Personally, I prefer traveling abroad to domestic travel, but I will never forget this view, and I have thought about going back many times. Above all, it is a spectacular view that everyone should see at least once in their life. #0yentripjanuary2025 #naganoprefecture #Utsukushigaharaplateau #seaofclouds #starrysky

The size of the sanzoku-yaki is astonishing. It's very juicy and delicious. It's located on the second floor of Nagano Station!!

Although there aren't many places to visit in Bessho Onsen, the Chinese service staff at Nakamatsuya are very friendly. The wooden eight-story pagoda and the North-facing Kannon are both must-see attractions. A bowl of family-style ramen in the small hot spring street is very warming in cold weather! #Nagano #Bessho Onsen

Ueda Yanagimachi is also an ancient and quaint street. Although it is not very long, it is very relaxing to stroll around and sit in a coffee shop. Remember to buy Yanagimachiya apple pie! Just three is too little! ! #Nagano #Ueda Station #Yanagachi